Police are hunting Mark Ahearne, 25, after he disappeared during a day out from Leyhill Open Prison in Gloucestershire.

Police say he should not be approached. Exact details of how he came to go missing are unclear.

Ahearne, who was serving six years for robbery and driving offences, absconded two-and-a- half-years into his sentence.

He has been at large for almost a month although his disappearance has only just been made public.

Det Insp Andy Hughes, head of Cockett CID, said yesterday: "He has a history of violence and under no circumstances should members of the public approach him. We strongly believe he is in Swansea and appeal to anybody who knows his whereabouts to contact us immediately."

If you have information about Ahearne, contact police on 01792 456999.